Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Andre, I remember the last night of your short life so well. We had just found out that another one of our brothers had been killed. You told me not to let anyone tell me that I can't cry, Mike was a good man and deserved our tears. Then you walked inside and that was the last time we ever got to speak. The day you and Mac died a part of me died as well. I never forget that day, it haunts my dreams. You both will never be forgotten."
CPT Eva Foster, TF Tacoma of Fort Huachuca, AZ

"Andre volunteered to be my sponsor when I first got to B Co 132nd Engineers. He took me under his wing and looked after me there. We were all so proud that he went Green to Gold. I was working Pre-Deployment @ HHC 578th Engineers when the news of his death came over the line. I was heartbroken. I was tasked with putting together a tribute for him to be placed in the armory. I have to say, it was one of the hardest things that I have ever done. RIP Brother. You are missed!"
T. Jappel of Redondo Beach, CA

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3
A hundred times a day, I remind myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am receiving. - Albert Einstein"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"June 22, 2009
To the family of 2nd Lt. Andre D. Tyson:
Andre gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"to mr tyson and famy i am so sorry for your lost of your babby girl. i have tow girls and thay mene everthink to me and my wife thay are onell 5 and 2 imogen and abigail.i am a stay at home dad. ilove my kids and i cart imagen what yous are going thow i wish i coud do samethink...all i cane say i love you,s mamorresy will live no.your tuley Daniel Wiggins"
daniel wiggins of young nsw Australia

"Tyson, I had the pleasure of meeting Andre' when him and my sister Adriana met and got together, and bought thier first house in Long Beach. Those were wonderful memories i remember when he use to play his favorite song over and over again he had it on repeat, it was a song by Joe, "I wanna know" because of him i love that song we use to fight over that song, I had alot of good times with him and his family. Tyson i love you and you are missed."
Monique Molina of Los Angeles, Ca

"Hey LT, Thanks for the conversations about COSTCO. I really enjoyed them. My wife Lynell says thank you as well for comfirting her prior to you and I leaving for Iraq. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you while I am at the Depot 936/260. You are Lynell's and my hero. Top (1SG Langston)"
Rich Langston Depot 936/260 of Avondale, AZ

"I remember you from high school and was truly saddened when I heard of your passing. Thank you forever for your supreme sacrifice."
Michael Welch of Inglewood, CA

"Today in San Francisco, I had the duty of reading the names of my fellow Veterans who passed away while serving our country. I read the names of all those who died in June 2004. Among those was your name. I currently work with those Veterans that come home, and today was a time to remmeber those that did not make it home. You are truly a hero and my heart goes out to your family.

Kenneth Crawford"
Kenneth of San Francisco, CA USA

"ANDRE,

I MISS YOUR SMILE AND YOUR NIECE SASHA CRIES FOR YOU ALL THE TIME. YOU WERE A GREAT BROTHER IN LAW AND YOUR MEMORY WILL ALWAYS LIVE IN OUR HEART AND HOME.

LOVE YOUR BROTHER IN LAW"
LUIS MCDONALD of MIRA LOMA, CA

"Still here. Thinking about you today. You cross my mind everyday, I wonder what you are doing, are you laughing at us? I hope your Mom and family are doing well and adapting to you being gone, I cant imagine, it is hard for me and I am only a friend. Today is your day. I miss you."
SGT Rhodes

"Hey LT,

It was the worst day when we heard about your death. And I wanted to die with you. You were my pal I loved talking crap to you. You helpped the stress of going to war. Thanks for the memories and there will be a beer and a bracelet for you until we meet again my friend. Your brother in Arms. SGT Todd
B898 Eng"
Anthony Todd of Seattle, WA

"Andre,
I recently was able to visit the Arlington National Cemetery and saw your picture. I am doing a report on your life because you are a special hero. I live close to Riverside and I wanted to learn more about one of our local heroes. I feel very sad for your family and friends but I know they were blessed to have you in their lives if only a day. Thank you for serving our country and paying the ultimate price for all of us. You will live on in my heart and mind as I learn more about you. Thank you."
Kelsey Simon of Corona Ca. US

"I will always miss you Andre you are my brother and you will always be in my heart..save me my seat in Heaven"
Desiree of Las Vegas Nv

"....."
D.TYSON of England!

"To the family of:Andre D. Tyson I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"

"Andre - Not a day goes by that I don't look at the bracelet I wear with your name on it and think back to our days at SMHS or training at Camp Roberts. I'm glad we got to talk a lot before you went overseas. Each day I wear the uniform I think of you and it makes me a better soldier, a better human being. I miss you my friend."
MAJ Tim Vincent of Santa Maria, CA

"Andre, my friend, I never had the opportunity and the privelege to call you 'sir' and to render the appropriate salute- I knew you as a young NCO. I will though... someday. I miss you brother.
To the family- I will forever keep good thoughts."
George Cortez of 426 CA (SO) (ABN)

"Dear Tyson, I can't believe that it has been two years since you were taken from us. I think about you and your smile everyday that I go into work. Thank you for all that you did you made this world a better place for all of us."
Martha of Los Angeles, CA

"HEY ANDRE
I can't get to your grave so this is the next best place to visit you. I can't beleive its been 2 years since Erik call me and gave me the news. We all miss you so very very much. I know your SMILING THAT MILLION DOLLAR SMILE OF YOURS. So you finially got to meet my friend Dan. I know you guys are exchanging stories. Well I thought Id just stop by and say HEY. Oh by the way I got the $2.00 bill last year. Thanks
Love Michelle and the Girls"
Michelle Guijarro of Los Angeles, CA. USA

"I met Andre'in Missouri, the summer of 2003. We where able to spend some great times together for which I am forever thankful. We continued to correspond by email and phone calls when he returned to California and later when he was in Iraq. I did not find out of his passing until this past fall. I will forever remember him for the great person he was and the wonderful times we spent together."
Deanna Hope of Sedalia, Missouri

"2 years ago today (062106) I was sitting eating lunch with you, laughing and talking, not knowing what the next day would bring. But then the unthinkable happened, I could not comprehend what happened, I still have a hard time. I have thought about you everyday since then and tomorrow (062206), I will have you constantly on my mind. I hope you are still laughing and carrying on like always. I send my prayers and love to your Mother and the rest of your family, miss you, your TF Tacoma buddy"
SGT Wanda Rhodes of WA

"To the family of 2nd Lt. Andre D. Tyson, I didn't know Tyson as my husband called him,But I heard so much about him, my husband and Tyson were deployed together both from different areas, but all one in the 81st bn, SSG Byrd my husband went thru training to go to Iraq,Tyson touched so many hearts as well as my husbands, He will never be forgotten in our household, he is part of our family, my husband was jsut recently deployed again to Afgahstain this time, for the next year. Tyson was a very brave solider and we are proud to know him. God Bless the Family of Tyson"
The Family of SSG Michael Byrd of Escondido, Ca

"I went to high school with "Iron"Tyson and have fond memories of just hanging out during football and track seasons. We will all miss your great sense of humor and caring ways . Andre Tyson your a true American Hero"
Sean Pate of santa clara,ca

"It's been over a year now since we all last saw you. It was difficult to carry on after you left the task force, but picked up the pieces and kept going. Every day thereafter I walked into the medic office, it was hard to not look next door and know you would never be there again to say hello to the medics and ask us to join you with a movie or try to beat us at our rummy game. I will always remember you when I see or smell Axe body spray, you always made the musty building smell great! And you always had that smile and always encouraged all of us soldiers to continually make more out of ourselves. You are not only missed by your fellow soldiers, but everyone your life came across. I thank you for everything you gave to me and to those around you. You will never be forgotton by those lives you touched."
SPC Selina Hobbs of 81st BDE, TF Tacoma

"Tyson, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you. I know you live on in my heart. I miss you so much. I'm so glad that I came home when I did. I know you loved the Army so much. I know you look over me and sometimes I can still hear your laugh. I love you Tyson. I miss you. Thank you for everything. I'm so glad that I can still visit you. You had a great home coming and I am grateful that I was there to see you off. I miss you always. I just hope that I raise my sons to be half the man that you had become."
Liduska Dvorak of Costco Los Angeles

"i leave a message to my dear friend, who died serving his country. i love u "T", and i miss you. I visit your grandparents when i get the chance they are doing well. their faith in god gets them through these hard times. thank you for being such a good friend. i wear a braclet on my wrist everyday with your name and i wear it now as i write this to you on your 1 year being gone 6-22-05. i love you brother and will never forget you, never. rest with the angels. love you"
edward zarate of santa maria,ca

"Andre,
Its been one year since I got that call, telling me your were gone. Every day I'm at work I look at your picture and know were going to be alright. but damm it still hurts so much, we all miss you so much!!! In my heart I know your up there smiling your gorgeous smile down at us. Once again thank you for ALL you have done for us. Sleep well Sweet Angel. Michelle and the Girls."
Michelle Guijarro of Los Angeles, Ca. USA

"Andre we all love you and miss you always at costco is is so great that we have your picture so you can be watching us all the time we always RESALE because you thought us that .we miss you and love u and eventhought there are so many different opinions about this war, I will always admire you for what you did for me, the people in iraq and for your country you died doing what you loved the most the MILITARY and for you courage and for being a truly great friend we will always remember and love you!! may God bless you for ever and may God bless your family and the USA!!! WE LOVE YOU ANDRE!!!!"
George flores of los angeles ,costco 130!

"I LOVE YOU.I MISS YOU. I THINK ABOUT YOU ALWAYS. I KNOW YOU ARE WATCHING OVER US. BECAUSE OF YOU WE ARE CLOSER. THANK YOU. TELL LAUREN HELLO AND I LOVE HIM.
LOVE YOUR LITTLE SISTER"
LYNN of ATLANTA, GA

"To Andre's family there will never be enough words to say how much Andre meant to us all. You lost a great son and we lost a great friend. I miss him and his great personality everyday. My life was changed because I knew him and it has not been the same since we lost him so tragically. My prayers are with your family and thank you for raising such a great son."
Martha of Burbank, CA

"all our thoughts and prayers are with you we are the parents of a soldier who was with andre on that patrol he is forever changed and will always mourn for those who gave their all that day in his words they are the hero's we will forever keep you in our thoughts and prayers andre and patrick will never be forgotten and always in our prayers love and god bless the family of a soldier who was there may his soul and all the souls of the faithfully departed rest in peace amen"
the mcgrogan family of VIRGINIA BEACH

"To the Family of Andre Tyson,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your son was an amazing person. I was a customer of his at Costco in Glendale and he always went out of his way to say hello, give me a big hug and asked how everyone in my family was doing. If I was a little down or preoccupied Andre would come over and put a smile on my face. This was the type of person Andre was, he always seemed concerned and caring of others. I have missed him the last few times I went in and wondered when I would see him again. I found out today that he had passed and I am deeply saddened. God bless his soul. He was an angel here on earth and I know he is one in heaven. My prayers are with the family and friends of Andre. Mr and Mrs Tyson, children are a reflection of their parents and I know you both must be wonderful people because Andre was a great person. God Bless you all."
Sophia Carbone (Costco Customer) of Valencia, CA

"TYSON

COMRADE I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE BEST FRIEND. THANKS FOR WATCHING MY LITLE BROTHER WHEN I MOVED BACK TO OAKLAND. I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU BROTHA. CLASS OF 88"
DARIN JONES of RICHMOND,CA 94804

"to "T" I really cant say anything to change the the fact that you will never walk through those doors at work again , but i have a hard time realizing you are not coming home. everyone wants me to be strong but i cant. When you died i died with you lil bro. Its hard going to work know. Please lord let Tyson know I really miss him and love him."
Erik of Costco 130

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten. For the family/friends: May time provide happy, loving memories in place of present sorrows. God Bless you and thank you."
a grateful family in arizona

"missing him,true hero here a Costco130"

"To Andre our proud & joy of Costco#130 Family,I've never got the priveage to get to know him on a personal bases,but his true friends here @ Costco really shows me what a Beutiful person his was,He went out there to protect our counrty ,so brave,courages,a true Man of Honor"
Costco Collegue of Glendale

"Lieutenant Tyson, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"THOSE WHO BLOOM IN THE HEARTS OF OTHERS NEVER FADE AWAY." Tyson, you touched the hearts of so many people. I miss you deeply and will always remember you.

To Tyson's family:
Although no words can help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are in every thought and prayer. May the love of friends and family be a source of comfort to you at this time."
Honor DeSimone of Burbank, California

"Tyson you touched so many of our hearts and you will be greatly missed. You were a great friend/co-worker and you will always be in my heart. Love You Lots!""
Sylvia Rocha of Los Angeles, CA

"To Andre's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for his bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (Ernie's mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"To Andre's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Andre, you will never be forgotten. You were a great friend and co-worker and will be deeply missed. Your million dollar smile will always be with us. God bless you, your family, and your soul. You are in a better place, where you can watch over us now. Thank you for everything big man. Love you."
Greg Tavoukjian of Los Angeles, CA

"WE WILL NEVER FORGET ALL YOU DID FOR US ANDRE. YOUR MEMORY WILL ALWAYS BE WITH US A COSTCO LOS FELIZ. OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOUR FAMILY AND ALL WHO LOVE YOU.
GOOD NIGHT MY FRIEND, SLEEP WITH THE ANGLES BECAUSE YOU TRULY ARE ONE.
LOVE MICHELLE AND THE GIRLS"
MICHELLE of LOS ANGELES, CA. U.S.A.

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Andre, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Thank you Andre Tyson, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of 2nd Lt. Andre Tyson:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Andre for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of 2nd Lt. Andre Tyson:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Andre, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia